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Northumbria Police Support Groups

There are a number of support associations in the force set up by our employees to support our staff and provide advice to the force on a wide range of issues which could impact on a particular minority group.

The support associations include:

Colleague Support Network (CSN) Service

This is a service for all police staff and officers to use if they feel they are experiencing or witnessing problems within the workplace. It also allows staff to talk about any problems they feel are affecting their work.

It provides a confidential listening service, helps people to reach a formal or informal solution with issues and gives guidance on the grievance procedure and other options available.

Disability Support Association (DSA)

The DSA is open to all police officers, CSO’s and police staff (including individuals without a disability such as carers) and has a membership policy.

Working with the Organisation, the DSA is at the forefront of developing new policy and procedures, taking part in consultations, steering groups, studies and staff development ensuring that practices and policies do not inhibit officers and staff affected by disability, medical condition or impairment from realising and achieving their full potential.

The overall aim is to create a stronger DSA with increasing strategic and influencing power, and to act upon the needs and issues of DSA staff and officers.

We have representatives in all area commands and departments who are able to offer support, direction and guidance to individuals who have a disability, medical condition or impairment. We can also offer the latest relevant news, and access to useful resources.

Gay Police Association (GPA)

The GPA is open to all, including CSO’s, special constables and police officers and police staff and does not have a strict membership policy.

Working with the Organisation, the Association is at the forefront of developing new policy and procedures, taking part in consultations, steering groups, studies and staff development. The overall aim is not to secure preferential treatment for gay employees, but to promote equality in line with the Force Equality & Human Rights Scheme and provide support and networking opportunities to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, respecting confidentiality.

We can offer members support, direction and guidance, as well as the latest relevant news, and access to useful resources.

We also welcome interest from potential recruits and members of the public who, either want to become involved with the Association or who require the services of the Association.

Northumbria Black and Minority Ethnic Police Association (NB&MEPA)

The NB&MEPA is affiliated to the National Black Police Association. The NB&MEPA is open to all police officers, CSO’s and police staff (not necessarily from a BME background) and does not have a strict membership policy.

Working with the Organisation, the Association is at the forefront of developing new policy and procedures, taking part in consultations, steering groups, studies and staff development.

The overall aim is to create a stronger NB&MEPA with increasing strategic and influencing power, and to act upon the needs and issues of BME staff and officers.

We can offer members support, direction and guidance, as well as the latest relevant news, and access to useful resources.

Chaplaincy

There is also a Chaplaincy service which acts as an independent support resource for all employees. The service is totally confidential and available to people of any or no faith.

Chaplains visit their local station regularly and can be contacted at any time for help, support and advice.

They can offer a listening ear for professional or personal problems, are available with support during times of crisis, offer guidance in moral and religious matters and act as a bridge between police and communities.